Full Breakdown
Ferrari’s First Fully Electric Car Sparks Design Outcry and Market Shock
5/28/2026, 6:44:52 AM
The Luce Unveiled: Specs and Launch Details
On 25 May 2026 Ferrari presented the Luce, its first fully electric vehicle, at the Vela di Calatrava venue in Rome. The four-door, five-seat sedan is priced at €550,000 (? $640,000). It is powered by four bespoke permanent-magnet synchronous motors—one per wheel—delivering between 1,035 hp (source 1) and 1,050 hp (source 16) and 730 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is quoted at 2.5 s, with a top speed above 310 km/h (? 193 mph). The 122 kWh battery provides a WLTP-rated range of about 330 mi (? 530 km) and supports 800 V fast charging up to 350 kW. The exterior, designed by LoveFrom (Jony Ive and Marc Newson), adopts a minimalist, glass-and-aluminium aesthetic that departs from Ferrari’s traditional low-slung silhouette.
Background & Context: Ferrari’s EV Roadmap
Ferrari has pledged that by 2030 its lineup will comprise 40 % internal-combustion models, 40 % hybrids and 20 % fully electric vehicles. The Luce follows a five-year development cycle and marks the brand’s first EV after a series of hybrid introductions (2019 onward). It is the second four-door Ferrari after the 2022 Purosangue SUV.
Key Figures & Groups
- Benedetto Vigna, CEO – presented the Luce as a “new chapter.”
- Flavio Manzoni, chief design officer – acknowledged the design’s polarising nature.
- John Elkann, chairman – accompanied Pope Leo XIV during the presentation.
- Jony Ive and Marc Newson, founders of LoveFrom – led exterior and interior design.
- Luca di Montezemolo, former chairman – voiced strong criticism.
- Matteo Salvini, Italy’s transport minister – commented on social media.
Data & Statistics
- Price: €550,000 / $640,000.
- Power: 1,035–1,050 hp; torque 730 lb-ft.
- 0–100 km/h: 2.5 s; top speed >310 km/h.
- Battery: 122 kWh, 800 V, 350 kW fast-charge.
- Range: 330 mi (WLTP) – 310 mi (EPA estimate).
- Share reaction: Milan-listed stock fell 8 % (source 4), 8.4 % (source 13), 6.27 % (source 15); U.S.-listed shares dropped 5.3 % (source 34).
Official Statements & Responses
Vigna described the launch as “a very, very important day” and emphasized that Ferrari “demonstrates its leadership when it has the courage to dare and to take on the challenge of new technologies.” He added that the company will continue to offer petrol and hybrid models alongside the Luce. Manzoni framed criticism as “part of the innovation process” and said the vehicle is intentionally polarising. Elkann highlighted the car’s aerodynamics during the hand-over to Pope Leo XIV, who briefly tested the steering wheel.
Criticism & Opposition
Montezemolo warned that the Luce “risks the destruction of a legend” and suggested removing the prancing-horse logo. Salvini asked what founder Enzo Ferrari would think. Politician Carlo Calenda called the model a “profound aesthetic and technological betrayal.” Former F1 executive Flavio Briatore and numerous online commenters likened the shape to a Nissan Leaf, a Honda Accord, or a “short bus,” generating a wave of memes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Power output is reported as both 1,035 hp and 1,050 hp. Share-price declines range from 6 % to 8.4 % across markets. Reported range varies between 310 mi (EPA) and 330 mi (WLTP). No independent road-test data are yet available, leaving performance impressions unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re risking the destruction of a legend, and I’m truly sorry about that. I hope they at least remove the prancing horse [logo].” — Luca di Montezemolo, former chairman
- “We are convinced that a company demonstrates its leadership when it has the courage to dare and to take on the challenge of new technologies. Ferrari Luce was born precisely from this challenge, offering our unprecedented vision of electrification.” — Benedetto Vigna, CEO
- “ Ferrari's chief design officer Flavio Manzoni said in an interview with YouTuber Cleo Abram that critics are part of the innovation process.” — Flavio Manzoni, chief design officer
- “mix between a Honda Accord EV and Tesla 3” — Pierre-Olivier Essig, head of research, AIR Capital
- “I am not afraid of how people will react to a non-traditional model.” — Benedetto Vigna, interview with FT
Why It Matters
The Luce tests Ferrari’s ability to reconcile its heritage-driven brand identity with regulatory pressure toward electrification. Investor reaction shows that design deviation can affect market valuation, while the vehicle’s technical specifications signal Ferrari’s capacity to compete in the high-performance EV segment. The launch also occurs as rivals such as Lamborghini and Porsche scale back pure-EV programs, positioning Ferrari as a potential outlier.
What’s Next
Ferrari opened the European order book in late May, with deliveries slated for Q4 2026 in Europe and Q2 2027 in the United States. The company has indicated that the Luce will be produced in limited volumes to preserve exclusivity while the broader EV strategy aims for a 20 % fully electric share of the lineup by 2030.
